Regina M. (Lazorchick) Matta, 89, of Valencia, Middlesex Township, died in peace on Thursday at Elmcroft Personal Care Center, Saxonburg.

Born in McKeesport on Nov. 24, 1919, she was the daughter of the late Michael and Theresa (Orzulak) Lazorchick.

She was the wife of the late John J. Matta, who died March 10, 1989.

Regina and her deceased husband, John, will be remembered by many as owners of the Venus Diner in Hampton Township until their retirement in 1982.

She grew up in Port Vue and graduated as a registered nurse from the nursing program at McKeesport Hospital.

After graduating, she entered the U.S. Army. She served her country in a field operating unit in England during World War II, caring for injured members of the Army Air Corps when they returned from combat flights. Regina's unit was responsible for caring for the first group of injured soldiers participating in D-Day. She attained the rank of 1st lieutenant.

Following the war, Regina married her husband, John, and they made their first home in Port Vue, and later in Valencia.

She was the mother of Adele Trerice of Plum, Daniel Matta and his wife, Chris, of Penn Township, and David Matta and his wife, Linda, of Valencia; and the sister of Daniel Lazorchick and his wife, Grace, of Bethesda, Md., and the late William Lazorchick. She also is survived by seven grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

<B>MATTA</B> — The family of Regina M. Lazorchick Matta, who died Thursday, Oct. 29, 2009, will welcome friends from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Sunday at the <B>Schellhaas Funeral Home</B>, 5864 Heckert Road, Bakerstown, 724-443-1505.Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. Monday in Holy Sepulcher Church. Fr. Albert J. Semler will be celebrant. Interment will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery, North Versailles.The family suggests donations to Disabled American Veterans, Greater Pittsburgh Chapter 8, P.O. Box 12008, Pittsburgh, PA. 15240 or Make-A-Wish Foundation, 555 Grant St., Suite 425, Pittsburgh, PA 15219.Please pay tribute at www.schellhaasfh.com.